Tune-Up Update

I'm already enjoying the results of paying better attention to my "chassis."

The moisturizing after a shower step is really encouraging. I didn't realize how much I needed to do that. Now I look at my arm as I'm scouring the kitchen sink and smile. It looks...dare I say it?...YOUNGER!! Woo Hoo!

If you're a Ford farm truck (my vote for me), you'll see amazing changes right away. If you're good at routine maintenance, kick it up a notch and add a pampering step.

Your body is where you'll live the rest of your life. You need to take care of it so that it's ready to do what you need to do.

It's also important for a smile rather than a grimace to appear on your face when you see yourself. Saturday I had to change into sandals mid-way through the day and was horrified every time my eye caught a glimpse of my feet. Now I look down and a small smile of contentment lifts the corners of my mouth.

Much better.

Make ONE change in your routine that will be a benefit to your chassis. Just one. Please share what that is so we can encourage one another!

A little more about Tuning Up

I have an update. I've discovered WHY I am a shower girl. I thought you'd like to be the first to know.

I decided to start on my chassis maintenance tonight. I filled the tub with bubbles and got in. Instantly I realized why I always take showers. I don't like baths.

For ME, a bath is just plain uncomfortable. The extra poundage and a smallish tub do not equal comfort. Or coverage. If my bottom half is submerged and warm, my top half is cold. I dunk under to get the top half up to temperature and my knees begin to develop goosebumps. I decided to try to shave while I was there, soaking in all those suds. Well, that was an experience. Maneuverability was not at its best. Finally, I gave up and gratefully turned on the shower.

Ahhhh. Ease, warmth, speed, relaxation. All the things Doris promised me about a tub bath I found...for me, mind you...in the shower. I spoke to Doris about it and she encouraged me to find my own place in this endeavor. Bath or shower. It's the results that count.

I have three things to add to my Tune-up list. (I'll update the Tune-up post to reflect the changes):

If the Car's color begins to fade or (gasp) peel, showing the sheet metal beneath warranting a new paint job,
Then I should make sure my gray stays covered on a regular basis.
(Note: Others embrace their gray. Mine will be held at bay for many years to come.)

If the Car gets its fluids topped off routinely,
Then those 8 glasses of water each day are critical for me.

If the Car has an outward appearance that is sleek and smooth,
Then my legs, underarms, and eyebrow area deserve the same.

And One thing to change:

For regular "car washes" I deem: Bubble baths--out. Showers--in.

With Doris' approval, of course.

Time for a Tune-Up

I realized something the other day. I take better care of my car than I do of myself.

Case in point:

If the Car gets new tires when they begin to be too weather-worn,
Then I should keep my finger and toenails up-to-date.

If the Car gets to go to the carwash regularly to keep in shiny,
Then my daily shower takes on a newer purpose.

If the Car gets its oil changed,
Then I should moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

If the Car has an outward appearance that is sleek and smooth,
Then my legs, underarms, and eyebrow area deserve the same.

If the Car's color begins to fade or (gasp) peel, showing the sheet metal beneath warranting a new paint job,
Then I should make sure my gray stays covered on a regular basis.
(Note: Others embrace their gray. Mine will be held at bay for many years to come.)

If the Car gets its fluids topped off routinely,
Then those 8 glasses of water each day are critical for me.

If the Car gets decluttered and neatened on the inside,
Then I should declutter the fat.

If the Car gets to have high-priced gas,
Then I should buy organic when possible.

If the Car gets its upholstery and rugs vacuumed,
Then I should keep my clothes in great condition.

If I want my chassis to last a lifetime, I need to pay it better attention.

With that in mind, I propose the following regime:

• Monthly pedicure.
• Bi-weekly manicure.
• Whole body moisturizing after every shower--not just my face.
• Color my hair every 4-6 weeks so the "skunk" look doesn't happen.
• Now that shorts weather is FINALLY here, shave my legs and underarms every three days. We'll discuss the schedule again when winter gets here!
• Tweeze my eyebrows once a week.
• "Top off my fluids" by drinking my 8 glasses of water daily.
• Stop ingesting the junk.
• Start consuming quality foods (organic if it's affordable).
• Take a long, hard look at my aging clothing and begin to make some changes. I'll schedule going through 3 items each week.
• Do "shoe maintenance" quarterly

Doris knew all about this. Teach me, Doris.

(Doris Day in "Pillow Talk.")

As I "walked out" this attempt at upgrading my chassis, I blogged about certain aspects. Please click on the links below to read about my experience:

Shower vs. Bubble Bath

Eyebrows

Hair Color

Manicure

"In-Between" Mani and Pedi Care

Clothing Evaluation (This one has several posts.)